Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19: Dhoni declines to play for Jharkhand, says does not want to upset team balance

MS Dhoni has declined to turn up for Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19 quarter-finals starting on Sunday, stating that the team as done so well without his absence and he does not want to to upset the team’s balance.

“Dhoni feels that it would not be fair for him to join us at this stage, given that the team has done so well and reached the quarter-final stage in his absence. He does not want to upset the team balance,” Jharkhand coach Rajiv Kumar tol PTI.

It is interesting note that just a couple of days back selection committee chariman MSK Prasad had said that Dhoni will be part of the Jharkhand squad.

Last Thursday chairman of selectors Prasad was asked about whether Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu will be playing the Vijay Hazare quarters, he replied: “Dhoni is playing the knock-outs. About Rayudu, I will check and get back.”

Jharkhand topped the group league stage with 32 points and Shahbaz Nadeem’s was their notable performer with a List A world record haul of 8 for 10.

There are now questions being raised whether Prasad had even consulted Dhoni in first place before making a public announcement.

Editorial team of CricketCountry.

First Published on October 13, 2018 9:25 PM ISTLast updated on October 13, 2018 9:25 PM IST